Title: Within One's Heart
Author: Rachel (aka AGoddessofAwesome)
Rating: M for future chapters
A/N: Hello again, everybody! This will be my third fanfiction featuring the lovely Hermione Granger. In this story she will be faced with the challenges of her sixth year and on. This story tells about her and how she fell in love with a charming American witch named Renee McCain. I hope everyone enjoys this story and I hope that you all love it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Sadly, I do not own Harry Potter, the characters, or the rights to them. Those belong to J.K. Rowling. However, this AU story and the character Renee McCain belong to me.
Without any further delay, here is Within One's Heart!
Prologue
The fire crackled in the fireplace, eating away at the logs. The light illuminating the three figures that stood about the room: one standing leaning against the wall beside the fireplace, one sitting in what was the headmaster's chair with their hands clasp together on top of the desk in front of them, while the third was standing near the door with their back leaning up against a bookshelf and their arms crossed on their chest. The room was filled with a bit of tension, yet, it wasn't caused by harsh feelings. Mostly, it was caused by the situation that was currently in discussion.
The figure by the fireplace spoke, his voice low and shaking, "As my final act as Minister, I must ask this of you, Albus. Harry Potter is the only one that can stop Him, but he and his friends need the protection." His head dropped down as the realization had hit him once more.
Albus Dumbledore sighed. His hands had shifted from clasped to one gripping the armrest while other laid flat on the desk. His voice, unlike the other, was calm and filled with reason. "Harry indeed is the one to perform this task and he alone can do it. I understand the need for extra help, but she must be able to take on extra activities to insure that she isn't just helping the boy, but everyone else."
The third voice chimed in at this point. The tone taking on a more feminine quality compared to the two. Her voice was different. Not because of the quality, but because of the accent. It didn't carry the British accent, but one of an American. "You both have nothing to worry about. I will watch over Potter and the other two while making sure that the rest of the school is protected. I'll act as an unofficial backup. You can count on me to do the job." The woman had raised her head up, green radiating eyes scanning from the headmaster to the other man in the room.
The man by the fireplace nodded his head and turned to face the woman. His voice still low, but lost the shakiness. "You have my full trust, Miss McCain. Your Ministry would not have sent you if you weren't able to perform your duties. After all, you are the best Auror in your country."
The woman smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, Cornelius. I will do my best." she moved from the bookshelf to the vacant chair across from the headmaster.
"That settles it. Miss McCain, you will be in charge of the extra protection of Potter and the school, but you will also act as a disciplinary figure as well. Seeing as you might help tighten up the students as well." Dumbledore nodded to her.
With that, the Minister bowed his head and began to take his leave. He turned before exiting the room, his eyes looking between the two as he spoke, "Albus, I hope that this madness will come to an end. Miss McCain, do he cautious. Farewell to you both." he bowed once more and turned. The door closing lightly as he left the office.
The other two looked towards each other. A new discussion was about to take place.
"I understand your… condition, Miss McCain." Dumbledore looked at the woman over the top of his glasses. "I trust that you have yourself under control at this point."
The woman chuckled at the mentioning of her curse. "Of course, headmaster. I wouldn't have agreed to the job of I didn't."
His eyes growing more serious as his question took form. "Does she know?"
"No sir. I'm going to let things go at their own pace. See how things play out. I've only ever seen her once, but I know that she's my true one. It's only a matter of time before she realizes it too." the woman spoke as she remembered her first glance at her mate.
The old man nodded as he stood. He made his way to the window, arms gripping the sides as he lowered his head. "I have faith in you, Renee. To see this through to the end and have your happiness as well."
The woman stood and walked towards the door, opening it and turning towards the headmaster. "You have my word, Albus. I won't fail you, this school, and her. I'll do everything within my power to make sure that this is done."
With that, the woman exited the office. She made her way down the stairs and the corridor. Her eyes skimming across the halls as she planned her moves. This school is about to get a major wake up call. So is she. The woman mused her thoughts as she left the grounds and apparated back to America.
H/P
I hope you all enjoy the prologue! I'm trying to set the pace of the story for everyone. Hopefully, you all get the gist of what is happening and what will happen. Also, this title is subject to change. If you don't like the title, give me some feedback on what you think it should be. The best one will be the new title and I will be sure to credit you all in future chapters to come. In the meantime, take care!